Anyone who suffers from arthritis knows how annoying the joint pain and swelling that comes with it can be. It can be hard to get out of bed in the morning, and you can't do your daily activities. So, one of the main medications that doctors prescribe to control this kind of pain and swelling is Etodolac. Today, we're talking about the Extended-Release type, which is especially useful when you want the medication to be effective throughout the day.
What is this medicine called Etodolac?
Simply put, Etodolac is a medication that treats conditions like arthritis. It works by reducing pain and swelling in your body. We call this medication a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) . That means it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. You may also know it by the brand name Lodine XL.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before prescribing Etodolac to you, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Tell your doctor if you have these conditions. |
|---|
| • Bleeding disorders |
| • If you have recently (within 2 weeks) undergone bypass surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft - CABG) |
| • If you have a history of heart attack, heart disease, or heart failure |
| • High blood pressure |
| • If you drink alcohol frequently |
| • Kidney disease or liver disease |
| • Lung diseases such as asthma |
| • If you are taking steroids such as Prednisone or Dexamethasone |
| • If you smoke tobacco or cigarettes |
| • If you have had conditions such as stomach ulcers or intestinal bleeding before |
| • If you are taking medications that prevent or treat blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) |
| • If you are allergic to Etodolac or other medicines, foods, or dyes |
| • If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding |
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for oral use. Take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor has told you. You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food . Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
Patients over the age of 65 may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, so they may need a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
The most important thing is that this medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, definitely. Taking Etodolac with certain medications can cause severe reactions.
| Avoid taking Etodolac with these medications | |
|---|---|
| • Cidofovir | • Ketorolac |
| • Methotrexate | • Pemetrexed |
| Problems can also occur with these medications - tell your doctor | |
| • Alcohol | • Aspirin and similar drugs |
| • Cyclosporine | • Digoxin |
| • Diuretics (medicines that increase urination) | • Lithium |
| • Medications for high blood pressure | • Blood thinners such as Warfarin |
| • Other NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen | • Steroids such as Prednisone |
Tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and traditional medicine you take.
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Other painkillers: Do not take other painkillers like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen without consulting your doctor while taking this medicine. Doing so can increase the risk of stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding.
- Stomach bleeding:
- Heart attack and stroke risk:
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Taking this medicine, especially between the 20th and 30th weeks of pregnancy, may harm the unborn baby. Do not take this medicine at all after the 30th week.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Etodolac is a powerful medication used to treat arthritis pain and swelling. Always take the dose and time prescribed by your doctor.
- Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have and all other medicines you are taking.
- Avoid taking other painkillers (such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin) with this medicine without consulting your doctor.
- If you notice signs of bleeding such as stomach pain, black stools, or vomiting blood, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep in mind that long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
This medicine can cause intestinal ulcers and bleeding. Sometimes this can happen without any symptoms. Smoking, drinking alcohol, getting older, and having poor health can increase your risk. If you have stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black or bloody stools, tell your doctor right away .
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, long-term use of this medicine, especially if you have heart disease, may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks, talk to your doctor about using this medicine.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Etodolac can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood that looks like coffee grounds, dark brown or red urine. |
| Heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, fainting. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Serious skin reactions | Red or purple skin lesions with fever and flu-like symptoms, which later blister or peel. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| • Headache • Loss of appetite • Nausea • Stomach ache | |
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